smoke ventilation in the stairwell of block of flats

[JC100]

I've come across a building with openable windows in the stairwell on all levels bar the top floor. The building has 4 floors (lower ground, ground, 1st & 2nd) with two flats on each of the lower 3 levels with a single flat on the 2nd floor. All flats open directly on to the staircase.

The building is thought to have been built in 2009.

Does anyone have any ideas how this was considered acceptable? ADB suggests that an openable window should be present on each level.

Any thoughts would be welcome.

[nearlythere]

Single stairway?

[lyledunn]

JC, I have noticed that there are often many shortcomings in modern buildings. Plan approval from BC is one thing but the final completion certificate is often not sought by the client. BC rarely seem to follow up. Builder paid and buggers off!
Helping a client at the moment. She owns a HMO with six flats. No ventilation, fire alarm inadequate, AOVS fitted but not connected. Builder gone! Perhaps one could argue caveat emptor and that is what you get if you do not employ someone to see the job through to documented completion. BC really cannot be blamed, it is not their function to nurse-maid clients!

[kurnal]

There are many such examples. The important location for a vent is at the top of the stair. However note that ADB does contain some confusing  advice in which para 2.21e allows for a choice of opening windows at each floor level or a single openable vent at the head of the staircase which can be remotely operated from the access level. However then the footnote to diagram 9 places a further caveat where the lobby between the between the common stair and the dwelling is omitted and then recommends an AOV at the head of the stair.

Sometimes when you come across such scenarios as you have found the only option is to suggest that the fire service smashes a fixed glazed window in the event of a fire. Far from ideal but sometimes there are no other options.  Another possible option to consider might be to make the stair serving the top floor flat a private stair by putting a door across the staircase at first floor level. But is the risk such as to justify this? I could take you to far worse examples!

[JC100]

Thanks for your comments.

Yes, it is a single stair.

To try and fit a vent in the staircase at the top level would be difficult to achieve as it would mean either going through the pitched roof or through the external wall. The isn't even glazing on this floor level.